In this paper a method for embedding the secret data into the container image is considered. The method is based on specifics of the spectral properties of ad hoc two-dimensional discrete orthogonal transform. The values of functions forming the basis of this transform are `chaotically' distributed. Two ideas provide the ground for the synthesis of these bases. Firstly, the 1D M-transforms, that were introduced and investigated in certain particular cases by H.-J. Grallert. Secondly, the application of introduced by I. Kàtai canonical number systems in finite fields to numerating the input image pixels.